Heart health is commonly thought of as a concern that belongs to older adults, when in fact, leading a heart-healthy lifestyle is critical at every age. Pediatricians recommend helping children establish healthy habits as early as possible to lower the risk of heart disease later in life. These healthy habits include being physically active every day, limiting sugar intake, and eating a wide variety of vegetables and fruits.

As you’ll learn by watching this video, the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association have teamed up for their “Life is Why” campaign, which promotes healthy living for families. Through advocacy initiatives and public awareness campaigns, these organizations are promoting the idea that health allows kids to live life to the fullest.

In addition to our children’s emergency care, Sunrise Children’s Hospital provides Las Vegas families with a state-of-the-art Heart Care Program, which includes advanced pediatric heart care services not available anywhere else in the state. You can speak with a registered nurse at our children’s hospital by calling (702) 731-5437.

Ear infections and other ear, nose, and throat problems are among the most common reasons for a visit to the children’s hospital. In fact, February has been designated as Kids ENT Health Month to promote awareness of the importance of ear health in young children. This designation seeks to raise awareness about the importance of prompt treatment for ENT problems, such as ear infections. If you suspect your child may have hearing loss or another ear-related medical condition, a pediatrician at your local children’s hospital can help.

Otitis Media

Otitis media is another term for a middle ear infection. Due to the shape of the Eustachian tube in childhood, children are particularly vulnerable to ear infections. When the Eustachian tube becomes obstructed, mucus and pus can accumulate behind the eardrum. If left untreated, an ear infection can lead to hearing loss, an infection of the mastoid bone, or a ruptured eardrum.

Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear is characterized by the infection of the outer structures of the ear. It’s often caused by swimming; however, it may also develop from bathing or showering. Swimmer’s ear develops when water becomes trapped in the ear canal, which leads to an accumulation of bacteria. Occasionally, the ear canal may become so swollen as to induce temporary hearing loss.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

As the name implies, noise-induced hearing loss is permanent hearing impairment due to exposure of loud noises. Exposure to very loud noises can damage and eventually kill the hair cells, or sensory cells, within the ear. Once destroyed, these cells cannot grow back, which is why the hearing impairment is permanent. Kids are at a high risk of NIHL because they are prone to turning up the volume while wearing headphones or earbuds.

At Sunrise Children’s Hospital of Las Vegas, you’ll find a full spectrum of healthcare services specifically designed with the youngest of patients in mind. Our children’s hospital provides exceptional emergency care, care for high-risk pregnancies, and much more. Parents can obtain a referral to a specialist at our children’s hospital by calling (702) 731-5437.

All children can benefit from leading a heart-healthy lifestyle, whether or not they’ve been diagnosed with a heart condition at the pediatric hospital. Parents can work with their local pediatricians to find creative ways of enticing children to make heart-healthy decisions, such as staying physically active and making wise food choices. Bear in mind that if your child does have a heart condition, it’s a good idea to consult a pediatrician at the children’s hospital about exercise and dietary recommendations.

Assign Household Chores

Many kids love sports, but they may not play them every day. A good way to keep your child physically active every day is to assign household chores that get them moving. Ask your child to help you dig a vegetable garden, rake the lawn, vacuum the house, or wash and wax the family car.

Encourage Play with the Family Dog

If your family has a dog, your child can stay physically active playing with him or her. Take your child, dog, and Frisbee or tennis ball to the park or local dog park. Remember to pack plenty of water for all of you. When it’s time to walk the dog around the block, invite your child to come with you. Or, assign older children the job of walking the dog by themselves.

Ask Your Kids to Help in the Kitchen

Making healthy food choices is essential for supporting heart health. Kids are often selective about what they prefer to eat. However, they may be more likely to try new healthy foods if they help you prepare them. Take your child to the grocery store and tour the produce department together. Let him or her pick out some vegetables and other healthy foods to try, and then prepare a meal together at home.

Sunrise Children’s Hospital provides comprehensive care for the youngest members of families throughout Las Vegas. At our children’s hospital, you’ll find Nevada’s only pediatric cath lab and the state’s most comprehensive NICU and PICU departments. For more information about our hospital, contact our Consult-A-Nurse line at (702) 731-5437.

Obesity has become a problem around the globe, and it remains a significant problem for the health of American children. Because obesity is such a prevalent health problem as a leading cause of fatal diseases across the globe, it is important to approach the problem of obesity beginning with children. This video explores some of the causes of obesity along with systems-based solutions that might offer hope. Children struggling with obesity might have lower self-esteem and experience more health problems in adolescence. By providing more opportunities for kids to exercise and promoting family meals at home, obesity may be reduced in children to create a brighter future for this generation.

At Sunrise Children’s Hospital, we offer classes and community resources that can allow you to more effectively tackle health issues like obesity in your household. You can learn more about us on our website or call us directly at (702) 731-5437.

Your birth plan is highly personal, and it should be unique to your specific wants and needs. As you begin to think about where to deliver your baby, you will want to create a birth plan that will create positive memories and a great beginning to your child’s life. To design the birth plan that is best for you and your family, follow these guidelines from Sunrise Children’s Hospital.

Visualize Your Ideal Birth Setting

Not only will you want to think about the environment where you want to give birth—a hospital, home, or birth center—you will want to envision who you want present at the birth in terms of siblings and other family members. Is there a certain position in which you want to give birth? Are there specific songs or images you’d like to focus on during birth? These questions can help you include more details in your birth plan and minimize your stress during labor.

Consider Measures for Comfort

Some women choose to use pain medication or epidurals for birth while others prefer a natural birth. Both can have their risks and benefits, so think about which you prefer and discuss this choice with your obstetrician. You might also consider comforts like measures for hydration or mobility that can also help you stay relaxed and positive.

Know Your Backup Options

Flexibility is important on the day of delivery, because there are factors you cannot account for that may arise during labor. You will want to think about backup options in situations such as cesarean birth so that you can still remain comfortable as changes come up.

To begin planning your delivery at Sunrise Children’s Hospital, visit our website or call (702) 731-5437 to schedule a tour of our birthing unit. Our Maternal Infant Unit has 42 private mother baby rooms where you can begin to bond as a new family.

Links

Disclaimer: The materials provided are intended for informational purposes only. You should contact your doctor for medical advice. Use of and access to this website or other materials do not create a physician-patient relationship. The opinions expressed through this website are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the hospital, medical staff, or any individual physician or other healthcare professional.